In the end, John Dutton lost.

Given “Yellowstone‘s” overt, lingering sentimentality for his waning way of life, as well as its candor in acknowledging the growing threats facing modern ranching, perhaps Dutton’s failure isn’t all that surprising. After all, the unlikely gubernatorial candidate once built his platform around bringing a halt to progress itself. “I am the opposite of progress,” Dutton said. “I am the wall it bashes against, and I will not be the one who breaks.”